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Unfaithful (2002)
Unfaithful (2002)
2002 | Drama, Mystery
A deceitfully simple erotic thriller that goes from idle 0 to 100 so suddenly it could cause whiplash. A lot of things I love about this one: the trio of stellar performances from Gere, Lane, and Martinez; the way it reaches its cold tendrils into numerous different genres; and while it isn't as visually attractive as 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘢𝘭 (still looks great though, as is standard with Lyne) it's eight billion times more subtle. Though perhaps the highest nuance for a film that so easily could have been another anemic dump into the ever-sterilizing late-90s-esque trashy erotic thriller genre is how all of these events and the subsequent domino effect they set in motion don't really start out from your standard 'nondescript failing marriage' trope. This is a relatively happy, normal, even healthy family which still ends up... in an Adrian Lyne movie. It gives a false sense of hope and thus almost this feeling of normalcy, like even though you're a model citizen something of this severity could still somehow happen to you or someone you're close with, which quickly becomes rather traumatizing. Has a lot of solid banter and shit-your-pants "get me the fuck out of here" moments strung together nicely. Wasn't sure where it was going at first, but it all made sense in the end.
  
Jojo Rabbit (2019)
Jojo Rabbit (2019)
2019 | Comedy, Drama, War
Rather funny yet heartwarming
Being a huge Taika Waititi fan I had high expectations for this film and whilst I did enjoy it, it wasn't quite as amazing as I'd expected.

First of all, I expected this film to be a full on oddball comedy - I mean Hilter as his imaginary friend? However this film is a lot less oddball comedy and a lot more like Hunt for the Wilderpeople, a heartwarming drama with a few comic moments thrown in. Don't get me wrong, there are definitely laughs in this. Mostly coming from Waititi's hilarious Hilter or from Sam Rockwell's Captain who were by far my favourite characters. And Jojo himself is a lovable protagonist and well acted by Roman Griffin Davis. The problem is that the second half of the film was way too serious and while this was heartwarming and sweet at times, it became a little heavy. When Waititi and Rockwell popped up they were a very welcome comic relief.

Despite the rather heavy serious side, this is still a very lovable and entertaining film and definitely one to watch. It's rare to find a film that would have you laughing and crying in equal parts, although I do still wish it was weighted slightly more on the comic side - it definitely needed more Waititi as Hitler!
  
Saw (2004)
Saw (2004)
2004 | Horror
Contains spoilers, click to show
Doctor Lawrence Gordon and Adam Faulkner-Stanheight both wake up chained to opposite sides of a dingy room with only a handful of clues the two men must find their way out and save the doctors family.
Most of the film focus not on the two trapped men’s escape attempt but on the past couple of days and on the ‘Jigsaw’ killers previous traps which show the events that led to, not only Adam & Lawrence’s imprisonment but also to how Jigsaw is tracked down by the now disgraced Detective Trapp.
The previous trap rooms all seem a lot simpler than the one set up for Adam and Lawrence and this does seem to be the first one that involves people outside the room.
Saw contains a lot of threat, a bit of gore and bodies that died violent deaths but the graphic scenes are no worst than films like ‘Seven’ and, like Seven, Saw doesn’t focus that much on the actual killer but on his actions and the effects they are having on his victims and it only hints at how long Jigsaw has been active for. The one thing I will say about the violence is that it does show consequences, the doctor is shown to suffer after cutting off his foot and, most of the time, shooting and stabbing does lead to injuries.
  
Gift of Fire (Elemental Bloodlines #1)
Gift of Fire (Elemental Bloodlines #1)
C.L. Carhart | 2022 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
GIFT OF FIRE is the first book in the Elemental Bloodlines series. As the first in a series, it has to lay a lot of groundwork and answer a lot of questions. I think this worked easily enough and I was able to follow, understand, and enjoy the different magic of the Teuton way.

I also loved that it was set in Erlangen, about a 3-hour drive away from my home. Having a fantasy and/or romance series set in Germany puts this in the minority but, to me, also makes it stand out.

There are lots of secrets in this book and lots of hints of what might be coming. I was so pleased for Bianca but I really hope Nicole gets her comeuppance! Time flows quickly in this book and, sometimes, that made it hard to keep up.

All of the characters in this book are really well-written, and it doesn't matter if you like or loathe them. A great start to the series by a new-to-me author but one I will definitely be reading more from. Definitely recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
Of Lilies and Lies (Stirling Harbor #1)
Of Lilies and Lies (Stirling Harbor #1)
Margaux Porter | 2022 | Contemporary, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!


Kit is trying to piece her life back together after her abusive husband dies. She has been trying to put her life back together for the past 3 years but there's just too much history. She thinks the best thing to do is move back to her childhood hometown and make amends with her family, on her way home she runs into a handsome stranger Greer, but that is the last she will ever see of him surely!?


Wow! Honestly wow. This book is thrilling and captivating from the start. I enjoy the way Margaux has written from both Kit and Greer's perspectives, it gives you an insight into what they're both thinking and feeling. There is a lot to process in the story abuse, rape, violence, and trauma which brings a lot of emotion with it. I felt that from both parties and found myself having a few 'Ahh, bless them' moments as I was that invested in a positive outcome for them both. The ending of the book is fantastic as well as extremely well written. I don't want to say too much but my heart was in my mouth! I can't praise Margaux enough and would gladly read another book by this author.


A 5/5 recommended read
  
The Verderer (Pitch & Sickle #2)
The Verderer (Pitch & Sickle #2)
D K Girl | 2021 | LGBTQ+, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE VERDERER is the second book in Pitch & Sickle series and follows on from book one, which you will absolutely have to read to understand what's going on here.

As with the first book, this has a slow and meandering pace, giving the reader time to learn about both Silas and Pitch, as they themselves learn about each other and just what is expected from them.

There are still big parts of the story that aren't yet explained, leaving me definitely wanting more. Silas is still standing strong with his loyalty. He still has a lot to learn and is still naïve about the new world he inhabits. Pitch is still cantankerous and full of innuendoes. I really wish he would dial it back a bit!

Towards the end of the book, there is a lot of action that has been building throughout. And when I say action, I mean fight scenes. There is still nothing between Pitch and Silas apart from a near-kiss.

A great follow-up to book one and I can't wait for book 3! Definitely recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
 
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
 
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!